I read with interest the article concerning the sad demise of Hanworth Carnival. Some of the comments made were fair and very true and it is certainly a shame to see the demise of such a fine institution.

As a resident of Hanworth all my life (20+ years), Hanworth Carnival was very much one of the highlights of the year.The colourful procession, the scouts' It's a Knockout, the three-legged race around the pubs etc were all great fun to watch and to be a part of.

I am, however, upset and concerned by some of the comments made by Barry Knowles, current chair of the carnival committee. Mr Knowles' comments about the selfish behaviour of the young people of Hanworth were upsetting, patronising and very hurtful.

I have given a lot of time to Hanworth Carnival over manyyears. As a young adult I often tried to encourage my friends to get involved and for manyyears the Young Oaks, Hanworth Carnival's youth section, raised a lot of money for Cancer Research by putting on all manner of shows, concerts, parties and other entertainments.

There were some who moved away from the area but still came back for carnival week. For those young people, who were constantly up against the brick wall committee that wouldn't allow anything that "we haven't done before" to take the blame for the demise of the carnival is very unfair.

Hanworth Carnival's motto is 'great oaks from little acorns grow'. How great will theygrow if not allowed to expand and explore?

PETER CREAN Via email.